Blending Cultures: Bainbridge Island’s New Dining Experience Combines Asian and Haitian Cuisine with Southern Traditions

Two entrepreneurs on Bainbridge Island are introducing a new dining experience to the community, blending Asian and Haitian cuisine into traditional Southern dishes. Ritho Jean Louis, owner of Ritho Caribbean Spot, has been cooking for his sisters since he was a child and brings his love of tomatoes, corn, and peanuts to Bainbridge during harvest seasons. He noticed a lack of food that reminded him of home and decided to open his own restaurant.

On the other hand, Christine Vancamp took a leap of faith by opening an Asian Fusion restaurant at the Bainbridge Marina. Growing up eating Korean dishes like Shoyu chicken, Kalbi, and lumpia, inspired by her grandparents who left Korea for Hawaii in the 1920s. Vancamp cooks alongside her husband and is excited to share her heritage through food with the Bainbridge community.

Both Louis and Vancamp are bringing unique culinary traditions to Bainbridge Island that go beyond traditional Southern cooking. Louis plans to host a corn festival on May 18th where members of the Haitian and Latino community will put their own twist on Southern traditions. The diversity in cuisine offers not only a unique dining experience but also creates a link between heritage, uniqueness, and progression in a town where racial and ethnic diversity has been less common. By bringing their culinary traditions to Bainbridge Island, both business owners hope to give the community a taste of the comfort food they grew up on.